This document summarizes the structure and functions of nerve cells in the brain. It notes that the brain contains around 100 billion nerve cells and connections. Each nerve cell is like a factory that requires energy, raw materials, waste disposal, protection, and communication with other cells. The cell membrane controls what enters and leaves the cell. Within cells, the nucleus produces proteins and molecules needed for the cell to function. Nerve cells communicate with each other via neurotransmitters released at synapses between cells. The health and functions of individual nerve cells ultimately determine the overall functions of the brain.

1. Mental Disorder
Biology part 1
Dr Vijay Bhatia

2. Structure
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3. Nerve Cell is a
factory – has a
structure and
performs
certain
functions.
• Nerve cell is a factory in an area called brain.
• Brain has number of brain cells – 100 billion, 100 billion connections.
• Brain Weighs about 1300 gms. 60% water, 50% dry weight is fat, 15 -30 % protein.
• Brain cells connect and communicate with other cells.
• Some brain cells like microglia, astrocytes, epithelial cell, endothelial cells, mast cell,
provide support and strength.
• Needs power supply – oxygen, glucose
• Needs waste disposal – CO2 taken out, radicals produced removed or neutralised, toxic
waste removed and disposed.
• Needs raw materials to function – amino acids, fatty acids, carbs, vitamins, minerals etc
• Require transport system to bring raw materials and take away waste.
• Repair mechanisms.
• Protection – mast cells, blood brain barrier etc
• Produce products required for communication, stability, maintenance, repair, protection
and growth.
• Inputs from others what is required and what needs to be communicated.

4. Cell membrane of nerve cell
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5. Cell
membrane
structure
and function
• Bilayer of phospholipids – mainly omega 3 and omega 6 fatty
acids.
• Allows selected things to enter or leave.
• Oxygen and CO2 can easily pass but not others.
• Has gates, pores for raw materials to be transported in and
finished products to be transported out. Some chemicals
needs to be transported and released only at certain points at
certain nerve endings.
• Nerve cell can generate electric impulse which can
communicate another cell either to stimulate or inhibit next
cell.
• Groups of highly specialised cells producing and transporting
certain chemicals only.
• Dendrites to receive signals.
• Axon terminals to pass information to others.
• Axon to conduct information from cell body to axon terminals.

6. Nucleus of
neuron
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7. Functions of
Neuron
Nucleus
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8. Functions of
Neuron
Nucleus
Produces chemicals, molecules, proteins required by
the cell to function, repair, protect and grow.
Manufacture proteins, enzymes. Need raw materials
and coenzymes, vitamins, minerals.
Receptors – gates for any molecule to enter or leave
the cell or nucleus.
Cell parts
Neurotransmitters for communicating with other
neurons.
Structural proteins, transporters.

9. Synapse
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10. Receptors
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11. Total Brain
Functions
Depends on the health of the
neuron
DNA stimulation can advice to
manufacture enzymes,
machinery, cell membrane,
more receptors or eat away
receptors not required.
Machinery – Enzymes, DNA
making proteins.
Raw materials – amino acids,
fatty acids, vitamins and
minerals.
Products – neurotransmitters,
Reuptake receptors, enzymes
to destroy neurotransmitters,
storage vesicles , hormones,
etc.

12. The End
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